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That All May Read: Halifax Central Library hosts exhibit that explores the history of blind literacy in Canada

10/4/2017

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(HALIFAX,
NS – Oct. 2, 2017) Ever wonder how people who are blind or partially sighted
learn to read and write braille? Or how people with vision loss look at
pictures? Or do math when they cannot see?

You'll
discover all that, plus lots of other fascinating tidbits about the history of
blind literacy in Canada, at Halifax Central Library from Oct. 3 to 16, as part
of CNIB's That All May Read exhibit.

The exhibit
features tools for introducing braille to first-time learners, tactile
drawings, tools people with vision loss use when doing math, an activity where
children can learn how to braille their name – and much more.

"The
display includes access to a new website thatallmayread.ca, which allows people
to explore the evolution of reading for Canadians who are blind – from the
earliest beginnings of tactile reading codes in Canada to the digital books we
know today," says CNIB's volunteer archivist Jane Beaumont, who spent many
months researching the history of blind literacy in Canada to create the
website.

"It's
filled with hundreds of items from our 100 years of archives, including
artifacts, photographs, audio recordings and personal stories and testimonials
contributed by Canadians who are blind."

As part of
the display, Halifax Public Libraries is showing a sampling of the more than
500,000 titles that people with print disabilities can access through the
Centre for Equitable Library Access (CELA) – simply by being a member of
Halifax Public Libraries.

“We are all
better off when access to information is varied and plentiful,” says Debbie
Lebel, Director of Access at Halifax Public Libraries. “When we can take part
in a popular book club because we can borrow a CELA title, or can finish a big
student project quickly with CELA’s access to research materials in alternate
formats, we have more chances to flourish. The Library is committed to opening
connections for our community members, and we are proud to have a place in
CNIB’s anniversary exhibit.”